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Best of the WT line???

Hey All,

The folks are heading over to the sunny shores of the US soon and as a diligent little bourbonophile, I am trying to get a bunch of bottlings brought back. Since there's only the WT86, WT101 and RB available in australia, i was curious as to what was the general view of the best turkey bottling. Price is a factor (i'm getting a few), so I'd only request the Kentucky Spirit if it was clearly the best of the bunch.

Re: Best of the WT line???

Warning - strong bias ahead - but I think if you have an interest in WT specifically, at least ONE bottle of Kentucky Spirit should make its way back with you. Certainly let others weigh in on this, though!

Having said that, RR is a good buy. In my opinion, better than standard 101, but not better than Rare Breed. Still, it's hard to put a price on "unique," and obviously RR is unique in Australia.

Others would be better able to guide you on duty free purchases to consider. I am not a jet setter!

Re: Best of the WT line???

Re: Best of the WT line???

Tim , I know that you've always been a big acolyte of the WT bottlings, part a lot of posts dedicated to the Rare Breed. Which WT would you reckon captures the essence of the Turkey taste, or is it not that simple?

Re: Best of the WT line???

It sounds like you have read my posts (or, at least several of them), so I risk repeating myself.

Except for a few very special bottlings (e.g., Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Rock Hill Farms), Wild Turkey basically captures the overall bourbon experience, for me. In other words, if you could make a definition of "the taste of bourbon", WT 101 would pretty much be it.

Then, Rare Breed (which you can get without traveling) is the same, but more so. Deeper flavor, richer flavor and aromas.

Then, to me, Russell's Reserve and Kentucky Spirit present a more refined and sophisticated taste and aroma. Sort of like the best cognacs. I enjoy both very much but, again just in my opinion, they are slightly less bourbon-like. Be advised that I try to keep both on hand at all times.

I have never had the pleasure of trying the 12-year old, but in my imagination it would be similar to 101 and RB, but better yet.

Re: Best of the WT line???

In simplistic terms, all I'm capable of, I fear, think of combining the robust flavor of 101 with the smoothness and subtlety of KS, and that's the 12 y/o.

I think that captures the essence of the 12yo very well. Not unlike the RR, it starts out very chewy and leathery and then, like a commando soldier suddenly turning pacifist, it switches to a, sort of, cherry candy cotton character, a theme which is continued in the finish.

Re: Best of the WT line???

The EB15 is one of the few bourbons I have tried that I do not like. I keep going back and retrying the bottle, but it still comes back as my least favorite premium pour. There are a bunch of Wellers and the 107 seems to rub some the wrong way, but the 19 and 12 yo's are highly regarded here. On your way back to OZ, check out duty free and see if they have WT Freedom, it is an awfully nice bourbon, very close to RB but not quite as sweet to my palate. Happy hunting.

Re: Best of the WT line???

I have to go with Kentucky Spirit as well. It shares a lot with others in the Wild Turkey line, but it's more refined and distinct...definitely more cognac like and smoother. In fact, I think I need to have a pour right now!